Hyundai first introduced their 9-seater H1 Bus about nine years ago, and it was an immediate sales success. The Bus was followed by the H 1 panel van, which with its voluminous carrying capacity and car-like drive also captured a fair slice of the segment, whilst the six-seater H1 Multicab has been discontinued but can be imported on special order. The model featured today is the H1 2.5 Elite Bus turbo-diesel with the 5-speed automatic transmission.

The H1 has not really aged since its launch, however Hyundai decided to give it a more modern make-over with a number of new features, with the improvements designed to ensure that the “people carrier” entrenches its position as leader of its segment. Externally, the whole nose section of the H1 has been redesigned, giving the 9-seater bus a modern look that fits in with the styling of the passenger car and SUV range of the Korean manufacturer, and it comes without an increase in price. The up-graded model H1 bus features a new front grille and bumper design, new 6-hole alloy wheels, which on the press vehicle were shod with Korean Hankook 215/65R17 tyres plus there is a full-sized spare wheel under the boot-board.

Moving inside, the addition of an infotainment center with a large touch-screen enhances the list of interior luxury and comfort features. The steering wheel is now adjustable for reach as well as height, which makes the driving position in the H1 Bus even more comfortable. Also new is the rear-view camera with the display in the rear-view mirror, while projection-style headlights have also been added to illuminate the road ahead more effectively and add to the good looks of the new front-end of the H1 Bus.

Existing features that make the H1 2.5 turbo-diesel bus an ideal family or touring vehicle include; height adjustable steering column, Bluetooth connectivity for the infotainment's sound system with multifunction controls on the steering wheel, cruise control with controls on the steering wheel, fully automatic air conditioner with climate control, electric windows and mirrors; and a large cubby hole with cooling from the air-conditioner. The improved dash set up has a three-dimensional cluster in front of the driver which is easy to read through the top of the multi-function steering wheel, while a trip computer is integrated into the cluster, providing useful information to the driver.

The H1 Bus accommodates eight people and their luggage very comfortably over long distances, but it will seat nine in a 3+3+3 configuration if the seat between the driver and front passenger is deployed and there’s still ample luggage space, even with the rear last row seat in place. Despite the higher off the road stance than a car, climbing into the vehicle is an easy exercise, and once seated, all round visibility is good. The seats are comfortable with an ideal stiffness, with the adjustments for height, and the backrest incline being much appreciated, especially on long journeys. Both rows of rear seats offer generous leg, head and shoulder room. Storage for oddments are available in the dual glove compartments, dual door pockets in the two front doors, a roof-mounted sunglass holder and map pockets at the back of both front seats.

Several new convenience features have been added to the H-1 Bus 2.5 litre Turbo-diesel and these include; a Bluetooth connectivity for the sound system with multifunction controls on the steering wheel, cruise control with controls on the height adjustable steering wheel, a fully automatic air conditioner with climate control, a leather steering wheel and gear knob covers.

In terms of safety, both the driver and passenger have front airbags and seatbelts equipped with pre-tensioners, and in addition, the H1 Bus adds a side airbag, has an all-disc braking system, with ABS, EBD and ESP.

The Hyundai Elite 2.5 turbo-diesel, with 4 valves per cylinder, CVVT and a Variable Geometry Turbo-charger, makes 125 KW and 441 NM, and sends drive to the rear wheels through a 5-speed automatic gearbox. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a leisurely 14.4 seconds, has a top speed of 180 km/h, and is said to consume as little as 9.8 litres / 100 km in the combined test cycle. Adding to its appeal in a working application is the 1 500 kg towing capacity of the 125 KW 2.5 turbo-diesel.

Cruising on the freeways at the 120 km/h speed limit, the motor spins at just 2 200 RPM in 5th gear which accounts for excellent. The H1 Bus is easy to park and along with the rear-view camera, the generous glass area, substantial mirrors, and rack and pinion steering with hydraulic assistance reduces the effort required in tight situations. The H1 is equipped with McPherson type strut with gas shock absorbers for its front suspension, and for the 9-seater Bus, a rigid axle 5-link rear suspension with oil-filled shock absorbers ensures a comfortable ride. Despite the considerable higher off the road stance than a car, climbing in to the H1 is an easy exercise, but there are grab handles on the A pillar to assist if necessary. Once seated, the height provides good all-round visibility.

Seats travel forward and are adjustable for height. Additionally, the backrest can be inclined, offer good support and are reasonably comfortable, especially on long journeys. At the rear, both rows of seats offer generous leg, head and shoulder room. The fully adjustable driver’s seat allows the driver to find a comfortable driving position and all buttons and levers fall nicely to hand quite easily. Despite the H1 Bus being a fairly large vehicle, it drives almost as easy as a car, and the gear selector lever is conveniently mounted in a pod off the dash, saving room up front.

On take-off, there was just a hint of turbo-lag, but as the vehicle gathers momentum, the low-down torque takes over and the motor is very smooth and powerful. The automatic gearbox works extremely well, there was no hunting between gears, plus it responds quickly to kick-down. The motor pulls strongly right from 2 000 RPM and is an excellent match with the autobox. The gear selector lever is nicely positioned in a pod off the dashboard, but although the autobox offers a sequential manual mode, once the revs near the 4 500 RPM red line in any chosen gear, the auto will over-ride and the driver and change up to the next gear to prevent the motor from over-revving.

On the open road, the H1 Bus 2.5 cruises comfortably at the legal limit, in fact so easy that if you don’t keep an eye on the speedo, you’ll exceed the speed limit and not realize it. The handling is pretty neutral, and in the tighter comers, body roll was not a factor, as the H1 follows the chosen line. The rack and pinion power steering ensure crisp responses, while hydraulic assistance reduces the effort required in tight situations. Even poor road surfaces were confidently tackled in the course of the H1's duties. Interior noise is well controlled, and the ride is quiet and comfortable.

All round, I would say that with the new additions added, the new Hyundai H1 Bus is an even nicer vehicle than before. There’s no doubt that the new Hyundai H1 range is good value for money. Prices are R499 900 for the H1 2.4 Executive Bus petrol with 5-speed manual transmission, R629 900 for the H1 2.5 Elite Bus turbo-diesel with the 5-speed automatic transmission and R459 900 for the H1 2.5 Panel Van turbo-diesel 5-speed automatic. Prices include Hyundai's 5-year / 150 000 km warranty, with an additional 2 year / 50 000 km manufacturer's powertrain warranty, as well as a 5 year / 150 000 km roadside assistance plan and 5-year / 90 000 km service plan.